Former Rep. John Hostettler’s votes against foreign assistance and comments about Jewish influence on politics stirred opposition from deep-pocketed sources.
Former Rep. John Hostettler’s votes against international aid and comments about Jewish political influence stirred strong- pocketed opposition. Former Rep. John Hostettler’s votes against international aid and comments about Jewish political influence stirred strong- pocketed opposition.
Former Rep. John Hostettler’s votes against foreign assistance and comments about Jewish influence on politics stirred opposition from deep-pocketed sources.
Tidligere kongresmedlem. John Hostettler (R-Ind.), who was in office from 1995 to 2007, is against intervention. In April, he made a controversial response to pro-Israel funding attacking him, which hinted at antisemitism. Photo by Scott J. Ferrell/Getty Images. Tidligere kongresmedlem. John Hostettler was unsuccessful in his attempt to secure the Republican nomination in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, largely due to a significant financial disadvantage caused by the influence of pro-Israel super PACs that had accused him of antisemitism. Mark Messmer, a conservative businessman who received significantly more campaign donations than Hostettler, emerged victorious in the primary and is widely expected to win the heavily Republican seat in southwestern Indiana in the upcoming November election. Messmer significantly outperformed Hostettler in fundraising, receiving almost 19 times more money. Additionally, Messmer garnered substantial support from a super PAC, obtaining $24 million, compared to Hostettler’s less than $24,000. Hostettler’s loss represented a win for advocates of U.S. aid to Israel, who had not targeted a Republican candidate in many years, as well as for traditional Republican foreign-policy supporters looking to defeat an anti-interventionist. Both Messmer and Hostettler claim allegiance to former President Donald Trump and share views on illegal immigration and President Joe Biden’s policies. However, Hostettler’s supporters also highlighted his stance against providing foreign aid from the United States, such as for assisting in the Ukrainian war. Joshua Claybourn, a Republican lawyer and political analyst in Indiana, stated to HuffPost that this reflects the overall sentiment of the Republican Party, indicating that Trump and MAGA now hold influence over the party.
